‘Notify police before you organise political activities,’ Police Commander urges parties

Political parties have been urged to notify the police before holding rallies and other political activities in the constituencies.Police Chief Superintendent, Mr Vitus Napem, Nkawie Divisional Police Commander, who made the call, said it was important for the police to be aware of any political activities in the constituencies to ensure that all the necessary guidelines were followed to ensure peace.Speaking at the inter-party dialogue committee meeting at Nkawie, he said the police needed to be aware of all the political activities such as health walks, games, rallies, and others, to help prevent possible crashes with opponents.Failure to alert the police, he said, would not only offend the public order Act, but could also pose a security threat in the constituency.The Dialogue meeting was organized by the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).It aimed at equipping all stakeholders in the upcoming elections with requisite skills and know ledge to promote and sustain a peaceful democratic atmosphere in the campaigning and electioneering season.Mr. Napem pointed out that the police needed to know the routes, venue as well as the materials and personnel needed to provide appropriate security for the event.He warned against the act of removing or damaging posters, banners and billboards of political opponents and said that would attract arrest and prosecution and called on all affected persons or parties of such acts to report to any nearby police station for the necessary actions to be taken.Mrs Cecilia Manu, the Municipal Electoral Officer, called on the people, especially the youth, to always contact her office for any clarification of issues instead of engaging in violent acts.Mr Emmanuel Kwadwo Wiredu, Municipal Director of NCCE, said the dialogue was a platform for all stakeholders to seek answers to issues bordering their minds while at the same encouraging cordial discussions on issues of the upcoming elections.Source: Ghana Ne ws Agency